Trump welcomes Xi months after Beijing talks on trade, Iran

On Thursday, United States President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House for a state visit aimed at discussing trade, artificial intelligence, and other contentious issues between the two nations. The ceremony took place on the South Lawn of the White House and featured military honors, remarks from Trump and Xi, and a military review in the Rose Garden.

Xi, who attended the welcome ceremony held by Trump at Joint Base Andrews the previous day, is making his first visit to Washington in over a decade and is the second meeting between the two leaders this year. During their discussions, the leaders are expected to touch upon artificial intelligence, trade, Taiwan, and the ongoing conflict in Iran.

Xi emphasized the need for stronger communication between Washington and Beijing, as well as avoiding conflict and confrontation. The state dinner hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday evening will be attended by official delegations, business leaders, and government officials. This visit comes amid ongoing efforts to maintain a trade truce between Washington and Beijing, as both nations face disagreements over technology, rare earths, and China's support for Iran.